Coupler system for coupling a glass panel to a door

Abstract

A coupler 100 is provided for coupling a glass panel 185 to a door 180 via a frame 115. The coupler includes a first coupling member 110 and a second coupling member 120. At least one of the couplin

Description

Technical Field The present invention relates to coupler systems. More particularly, the present invention relates a coupler system for coupling a glass panel to a door. Background Glass panels are typically affixed to a door within a frame, which is either part of or attached to the door. The frame surrounds the edges of the glass panel, thus holding it in place. There are a variety of methods employed in the industry to affix glass panels to frames. These include the use of glazing beads or stops, which are attached to the frame by means of screws or nails, to clamp the glass against a rebate or lip in the frame. Another approach involves the placement of rubber gaskets between the glass panel and the frame, serving to cushion the panel and ensure a secure seal around the door frame. However, the simple screw fixing design and the cushioning method do not provide sufficient mechanical strength to resist damage such as burgling, thus threatening the anti-theft safety of a room with such glass panel doors. Other methods utilise clamping and coupler systems to secure the glass panel to the door without a full frame. The clamps or coupling members provide a gripping force to secure the glass panel in place. However, the installation and removal of such systems is often complex and time-consuming. Furthermore, they lack the necessary strength to resist strong forces. Summary of the Invention According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coupler for coupling a glass panel to a door via a frame comprising a first coupling member; a second coupling member; at least one of the first and second coupling member includes: holders for engaging said door and said glass panel, wherein, the second coupling member includes an engagement member that extends in a direction to secure position of the first and second coupling members on said frame. In an embodiment, the engagement member is resiliently biased to form a secured engagement with said frame. In an embodiment, the engagement member spans across at least part of the first coupling member. In an embodiment, the engagement member comprises a hook. In an embodiment, the first and second coupling members are part of a one-piece structure. In an embodiment, the first and second coupling members includes an interface where the first and second coupling members mate. In an embodiment, the interface includes corresponding mating members of the first and second coupling members. In an embodiment, the first and second coupling members each has respective holder for engaging said door and said glass panel, the holders of the first and second coupling members cooperate to sandwich said door and sand glass panel thereby keeping them in position. In an embodiment, the engagement member includes a pair of resiliently biasing catch which are provided on opposite sides of the second coupling member and extended in a direction to span across the first coupling member. In an embodiment, the first and second coupling members each includes coupling elements for coupling onto said frame. In an embodiment, the engagement member is releasably engaged with said frame. In an embodiment, the holders are equipped with metallic components for reinforcement. In an embodiment, the engagement member is metallic or equipped with metallic components for reinforcement. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coupler system for coupling a glass panel to a door comprising a frame; a coupler having first and second coupling members; the first and second coupling members are sandwiched between the frame, the coupler includes holders for sandwiching said glass panel and said door; wherein, the second coupling member includes an engagement member that extends in a direction to secure position of the first and second coupling members on the frame. In an embodiment, the frame includes upper and lower frame members that sandwiches the coupler. In an embodiment, the coupler is shaped to mate with the upper and lower frame members. In an embodiment, the first coupling member mates with the lower frame member and the second coupling member mates with the upper frame member, the engagement member of the second coupling member is shaped to engage with the lower frame member, thereby securing the relative position of the first and second coupling members. In an embodiment, the engagement member comprises a resilient catch that releasably engages the lower frame member. In an embodiment, the coupler includes holders for sandwiching said door and said glass panel. In an embodiment, the holders are equipped with metallic components for reinforcement. In an embodiment, the engagement member is metallic or equipped with metallic components for reinforcement. Unless otherwise specified, terms of degree such as “generally”, “about”, “substantially”, etc., are intended to account for one or more of: manufacture tolerance, degradation, trend, tendency, imperfect practical condition(s), etc. For example, expressions such as “generally perpendicular”, “generally parallel”, “generally circumferential”, and the like are intended to allow for slight deviations or inconsistencies in practice (e.g., in which a strictly perpendicular arrangement, a strictly parallel arrangement, or a strictly circumferential arrangement may not be possible and / or may not be necessary). Further, unless otherwise specified, terms such as “connected” and “coupled” are intended to encompass both direct and indirect connection and coupling. Brief Description of the Drawings Embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a coupler system being installed at a glass panel door for coupling a glass panel to the door, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the coupler system of Figure 1 along an axial plane; Figure 3 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the coupler system of Figure 1 along a sagittal plane; Figure 4 is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of the coupler system of Figure 1 along an axial plane, wherein the interaction between an engagement member and a frame member is illustrated; Figure 5a is an enlarged diagram focusing on the connection between an engagement member and a frame member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5b is a force diagram demonstrating the force exerted on different part of the engagement member of Figure 4a, when the engagement member is urged away from the frame member to release therefrom; Figure 6 is a diagram showing a frame member of a coupler system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7a is a diagram showing a perspective view of a first coupling member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7b is a diagram showing a top view of the first coupling member of Figure 7a; Figure 7c is a diagram showing a front view of the first coupling member of Figure 7a; Figure 7d is a diagram showing a side view of the first coupling member of Figure 7a; Figure 8a is a diagram showing the connection between a first coupling member and a first frame member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8b is a cross-sectional diagram showing the connection between a first coupling member and a first frame member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9a is a diagram showing a perspective view of a second coupling member according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9b is a diagram showing a top view of the second coupling member of Figure 9a; Figure 9c is a diagram showing a front view of the second coupling member of Figure 9a; Figure 9d is a diagram showing a side view of the second coupling member of Figure 9a; Figure 10 is a diagram showing the connection between the first coupling member, the second coupling member, and the first frame member, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11a is a diagram showing a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the coupler system along a sagittal plane, in accordance with the present invention; Figure 11 b is a diagram showing a cross-section view of the coupler system of Figure 11a along an axial plane; Figure 12 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a coupler system according to the present invention; Figure 13 is a diagram showing a metal frame portion part of the coupler system of Figure 12; Figure 14a is a diagram showing a perspective view of a first coupling member of the coupler system of Figure 12; Figure 14b is a diagram showing a top view of the first coupling member of Figure 14a; Figure 14c is a diagram showing a front view of the first coupling member of Figure 14a; Figure 14d is a diagram showing a side view of the first coupling member of Figure 14a; Figure 15a is a diagram showing a further metal frame member disposed between a first coupling member and a second coupling member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 15b is a diagram showing a top view of the further metal frame member of Figure 15a; Figure 15c is a diagram showing a side view of the further metal frame member of Figure 15a; Figure 15d is a diagram showing the further metal frame member of Figure 15a being mated with a first coupling member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 16 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a second coupling member of a coupler system according to the present invention; Figure 17 is a diagram showing an embodiment of an engagement member according to the present invention; Figure 18 is a cross-sectional diagram of an embodiment of a coupler system according to the present invention; Figure 19a is a diagram demonstrating a first coupling member being mounted on a frame member, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 19b is a diagram demonstrating a second coupling member being mated with the first coupling member of Figure 19a; Figure 19c is a diagram demonstrating the fastening between the first coupling member, the second coupling member and the first frame member, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 20 is a diagram showing the installation process of an embodiment of the coupler system in an upright position, according to the present invention. Detailed Description of the Embodiments Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to a coupler and / or a coupler system for coupling a glass panel to a door and / or a door frame. An implementation of the present invention includes a coupler comprising holders for holding the glass panel and the door, and an engagement member for securing the coupler between two frame members and hold the glass panel in place. The frame member comprises a guide groove which is reinforced by either quick-release clips made from high-toughness engineered plastic or by a barbed iron sheet. These are designed to prevent tampering with the glass jewellery frame. Embodiments of the coupling system enable quick and accurate installation and removal of glass panels. In an implementation, the coupling system comprises engagement members with barbed hooks that reduce the gap between frame members if the glass panels are pulled apart with force. This prevents screws from slipping and chipping as a result of the gap, which could otherwise lead to complete failure. Embodiments of the present invention adopts a minimal structure for the frame by using the design of the side slider of the injection mould to form a groove for the frame to be combined with the coupling member. Figures 1 to 4 show an embodiment of the coupler 100 according to the present invention. The coupler 100 comprises a first coupling member 110 for mounting on a first frame member 115, and a second coupling member 120 for mounting on the second frame member 125. In an implementation, when the glass panel door is installed, the first coupling member 110 and the first frame member 115 are positioned on the indoor surfaces of the door 180 and the window 185, facing the interior of the enclosed space. Meanwhile, the second coupling member 120 and the second frame member 125 are placed on the outdoor surfaces of the door 180 and the window 185, facing the exterior of the enclosed space. Each of the first and second coupling members 110, 120 comprise a contact interface at which they come to contact with each other. The contact interface comprises mating members such as complementary features between the two, allowing the two coupling members 110, 120 to mate with each other without slipping. Further, the first and second coupling members 110, 120 each feature a threaded bore extending completely therethrough. The first frame member 115 also has a corresponding threaded bore that extends at least partially into it. These threaded bores are axially aligned across the three members, enabling them to be fastened securely together with a screw. Alternatively, in another implementation, the first coupling member 110 and the second coupling member 120 are part of a one-piece structure that engages the first frame member 115 at one end, and the second frame member 125 at the opposite end. As Figures 2 and 3 show in more detail, each of the two coupling members 110, 120 comprises a holder 113, 123 for engaging a glass panel 185 and another holder 114, 124 on the opposite side for engaging a door 180, thereby securing the glass panel 185 to the door 180. The coupling members 110, 120 are shaped to engage with the frame members, which, in this design, are provided by reversed hooks that lock onto the relevant engagement portions of the first 115 and second 125 frame members. The frame members 115, 125 comprise mating members shaped with complementary features to the coupling members, with which they engage. In an implementation, the mating members include guided slots at the frame members 115, 125 that are shaped to ensure a tight fit between the coupling members and the frame members, thereby facilitating a secure and snug connection. Displacement in three perpendicular directions is thereby prevented. This enables the coupling members to be securely attached to the two frame members, thus enhancing the strength of the coupling between the glass panel and the door. To further strengthen the connection between the coupling members 110, 120 with the frame members 115, 125, the coupler 100 comprises two engagement members 130, each located on opposite sides of the second coupling member 120, and extends in a direction to secure the position of the first and second coupling members 110, 120 on the frame by acting on at least one of the two frame members 115, 125. In an implementation, each engagement member 130 spans across the first coupling member 110, in a direction towards the first frame member 115. The end of the engagement member 130 comprises a hook 132 which, when the first coupling member 110 engages with the first frame member 115, hooks onto a relevant engagement portion 116 such as an opening in the first frame member 115, and locks in place. In an implementation, the engagement member 130 is a resiliently biasing catch which is biased against the first frame member 115 to form a secured engagement therewith. The depth and strength of the hook can be adjusted to ensure the engagement member 130 is securely locked to the frame member 115 and cannot easily be disassembled. Referring to Figures 5a and 5b, a close up view of a cross-section of the engagement member 130 is shown. The engagement member 130 is made of a resilient material, which allows it to be biased away from the body of the coupling members in order to hook onto the engagement portion 116. The engagement member 130 can be released to allow manual disassembly of the coupling system. To release the engagement member from the frame member 115, it is urged towards the body of the coupling members. This allows its hook to disengage from the engagement portion 116 of the frame member 115, enabling it to be displaced. To prevent unintentional release, the engagement member is shaped and structured so that it can only be released using a screwdriver or similar tool with a strong, elongated body. Figures 6 to 11 b show each of the components and how they are assembled together in an embodiment of the coupler 100. In this implementation, the coupler 100 is suitable for use in a typical glass panel door, and in such a case, all components described herein are made of plastics. Figure 6 shows a section of either the first frame 115 or the second frame member 125, which covers the joint between the glass panel and the door and engages with the coupling members. The frame members 115 and 125 are shaped for engagement with the coupling members. Particularly, it provides recesses and / or openings for engaging with the hooks of the coupling members. Figures 7a to 7d show the first coupling member 110 in its perspective, top, front and side views. Generally, the first coupling member 110 comprises a first holder 113 shaped to receive the glass panel and a second holder 114 shaped to receive the door. The second holder 114 has a greater height than the first holder 113 due to the fact that the door which the second holder 114 is shaped to receive is usually thicker than a glass panel. In an implementation, the door is substantially 44 mm thick and the glass is 24 mm thick. Each of the holders 113, 114 comprises a substantially right-angled feature at the end which, in addition to being used to receive the glass panel and the door panel, also acts as a stop feature and sits on the corresponding positions of the frame member 115, 125. By virtue of this stop feature, when a glass panel and a door is mounted on the first coupling member 110, the right-angled end of the holders 113, 114 abuts against the glass and the door, and prevents the first coupling member 110 from being disassembled from the first frame member 115. There is a recessed portion between the first and second holders 113, 114 and is shaped to receive a mating member of the first frame member 115. The mating member includes a raised portion between the two guided slots of the frame member which is shaped with complementary features to the recessed portion, enabling the first coupling member 110 to fit into it. Within the recessed portion, one or more internal hooks 111 are located, as shown in Figures 8a and 8b. These hooks are resiliently biased to engage with the recesses at the raised portion of the frame member, firmly securing the first coupling member 110 to the first frame member 115. Figures 9a to 9d demonstrate an embodiment of a second coupling member 120 in its perspective, top, front and side views. The second coupling member 120 has the same general structure as the first coupling member 110 and comprises first and second holders 123 and 124, as well as a recessed portion between them for engaging with the second frame member 120. The recessed portion of the second coupling member 120 comprises internal hooks that lock with the recesses at the raised portion of the second frame member 120, securing the entire coupling system in place. In addition to the structures present in the first coupling member, the second coupling member 120 comprises two engagement members 130 extending away from its two holders 123, 124 on opposite sides. As shown in Figure 10, the hook at the end of each engagement member resiliently engages with a corresponding recess in the first frame member 115, thus strengthening the bond between the second coupling member 120 and the first frame member 115. The door is securely sandwiched between the frame members 115, 125 and the holders 114, 124. Figures 11a and 11b show cross-sectional views of the coupler 100 at different planes. Figure 11a clearly demonstrates that each of the first and second coupling members 110, 120 comprises hooks 111, 121 which are resiliently biased to engage with corresponding recesses in the first and second frame members, securely locking them in place. The engagement members 130, located on opposite sides of the second coupling member 120, extend outwardly in the form of a pair of arms. These engagement members 130 are resiliently biased towards the first frame member 115, with hooks at their ends to securely engage with the corresponding recesses in the first frame member 115. This hook-and-recess structure secures the coupling system 115 in place, thereby securing a glass panel to the door. To strengthen the bond between the components of coupling system further and prevent disassembly in the event of severe damage, threaded screw 170 connects the first and second coupling members 110, 120 to the first frame member 115 through a threaded bore which extend completely through the first and second coupling members 110, 120 and at least part of the frame member 115, as shown in Figures 11a and 11b. Figures 12 to 18 show an alternative implementation of the coupler 200 for use in fire doors. This includes nylon locks and reinforced frame members 240, 250 at each of the first and second coupling members 210, 220. The frame members 240, 250, designed to span most of the interface surfaces of the first and second coupling members 210, 220, including their main bodies and holders, are integrated into them to form a mechanical framework that significantly enhances durability and strength. In one implementation, the second coupling member 220 incorporates removable metallic hooks, distinct from the main body of the coupling members 210, 220. These hooks, designed to securely engage with corresponding recesses in the first frame member, can be easily attached to or detached from the second coupling member 220 for convenient replacement, providing flexibility and ease of maintenance while maintaining a robust connection between the coupling members and the frame. The reinforced frame members 240, 250 are of fire-resistant materials, and in an implementation, they are metallic. Consequently, even if the fire door is exposed to fire which causes the plastic parts to melt, the reinforced frame will still hold the fire-proof glass in place and maintain fire resistance. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of coupling system 200, comprising a plastic body part 201 and a metal frame part 202. Figure 13 shows only the metal frame part 202 of the coupler 200, separated into the first frame member 240 of the first body part 210 and the second frame member 250 of the second body part 220. Figures 14a to 14d show the first coupling member 210 from different angles. Its structure is generally the same as that used for a typical door, as shown in Figures 7a to 7d. However, as can be seen in the bottom view of Figure 14b, the first frame member 240 is mounted on the interface surface the first coupling member 210, which faces the second coupling member 220, thereby providing reinforcement to the overall structure thereof. Figures 15a to 15c show perspective, plan, and side views of the frame members 240, 250. Each frame member 240, 250 is a thin but strong sheet metal component, shaped to align with the contact interface between the first coupling member 210 and the second coupling member 220. Figure 15d depicts the first frame member 240 being attached to the first coupling member 210. The second frame member 250 is mounted onto the second coupling member 220 in the same way. When the first and second coupling members 210, 220 are joined, the two frame members 240,250 meet directly, forming a strong support to the structure thereof. Figure 16 shows the second coupling member 220, which has a structure similar to that shown in Figures 9a to 9d, except that the second metal frame member 250 is embedded within it. In an implementation, the engagement member 230 is a separate feature attached to the remainder of coupling member 220. The engagement member 230 is made of fire-resistant material such as metal to provide a strong, durable bond with the frame member even when exposed to fire. Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the engagement member 130. It comprises a hook at one end that projects from opposite sides of the second coupling member to resiliently engage with the frame member. The other end is shaped to attach to the plastic part of the second coupling member 220. Figure 18 shows a cross-sectional view of the coupling system 200 according to the present invention. Similar to Figure 11a, coupling system 200 comprises first and second coupling members (210 and 220, respectively), each of which engages a respective frame member (215 and 225, respectively). In this implementation, however, the first and second frame members 240, 250 are sandwiched between the two coupling members to reinforce the structure. Additionally, the two engagement members 230 extending from the second coupling member are separate metal components with a hook on one end that resiliently engages with corresponding recesses on the first frame member. Figures 19a to 19c illustrate the installation process for one embodiment of the coupling system. This comprises fitting the first coupling member onto the first frame member, which causes the holders of the first coupling member to engage with the reserved guide grooves of the frame member to hold it clamped in place when pressed towards the frame member. A glass panel 185 is then positioned to be received by the receiving portion of the first coupling member, and the second coupling member 120 is coupled to the first coupling member 110. When the first and second coupling members are combined, the two engagement members 130, which extend in a direction to span across at least part of the first coupling member 110, hook into the recesses in the reserved guide slots of the first frame member 115, creating an interlocking effect. The second coupling member 120, the first coupling member 110 and the first frame portion 115 are then screwed together using a threaded screw 170 to secure the glass panel to the door. Traditional glass installation methods require the door panel to lie flat on the worktop and then be fixed with screws or slots, making it impossible to replace the glass with the door panel upright, which increases the labour cost and time for glass replacement. With the design of the present invention, the glass panel 185 can be positioned and fixed in an upright position by using the fixing effect of the first and second coupling members 110, 120 as shown in Figure 20, so that the glass can be replaced by simply replacing the screws. It will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that variations and / or modifications may be made to the described and illustrated embodiments to provide other embodiments. Thus, the described and illustrated embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Other variations and / or modifications may be possible. For example, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the coupler system may include other components (e.g. straight, L-shaped, and arc coupling members) not specifically illustrated and / or described.

Claims

1. A coupler for coupling a glass panel to a door via a frame comprisinga first coupling member;a second coupling member;at least one of the first and second coupling member includes:holders for engaging said door and said glass panel,wherein, the second coupling member includes an engagement member that extends in a direction to secure position of the first and second coupling members on said frame.

2. The coupler as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engagement member is resiliently biased to form a secured engagement with said frame.

3. The coupler as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the engagement member spans across at least part of the first coupling member.

4. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the engagement member comprises a hook.

5. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second coupling members are part of a one-piece structure.

6. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first and second coupling members includes an interface where the first and second coupling members mate.

7. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the interfaceincludes corresponding mating members of the first and second coupling members.

8. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and second coupling members each has respective holder for engaging said door and said glass panel, the holders of the first and second coupling members cooperate to sandwich said door and sand glass panel thereby keeping them in position.

9. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the engagement member includes a pair of resiliently biasing catch which are provided on opposite sides of the second coupling member and extended in a direction to span across the first coupling member.

10. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first and second coupling members each includes coupling elements for coupling onto said frame.

11. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the engagement member is releasably engaged with said frame.

12. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the holders are equipped with metallic components for reinforcement.

13. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the engagement member is metallic or equipped with metallic components for reinforcement.

14. A coupler system for coupling a glass panel to a door comprisinga frame;a coupler having first and second coupling members; the first and second coupling members are sandwiched between the frame, the coupler includes holders for sandwiching said glass panel and said door;wherein, the second coupling member includes an engagement member that extends in a direction to secure position of the first and second coupling members on the frame.

15. The coupler system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the frame includes upper and lower frame members that sandwiches the coupler.

16. The coupler system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the coupler is shaped to mate with the upper and lower frame members.

17. The coupler system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the first coupling member mates with the lower frame member and the second coupling member mates with the upper frame member, the engagement member of the second coupling member is shaped to engage with the lower frame member, thereby securing the relative position of the first and second coupling members.

18. The coupler system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the engagement member comprises a resilient catch that releasably engages the lower frame member.

19. The coupler system as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the coupler includes holders for sandwiching said door and said glass panel.

20. The coupler system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the holders are equipped with metallic components for reinforcement.

21. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the engagement member is metallic or equipped with metallic components for reinforcement.Claims:

1. A coupler for coupling a glass panel to a door via a frame, comprisinga first coupling member; anda second coupling member;wherein:the first and second coupling members each have a respective holder for engaging said door and said glass panel;the holders of the first and second coupling members cooperate to sandwich said door and said glass panel thereby keeping them in position;the second coupling member includes an engagement member configured to secure respective positions of the first and second coupling members on said frame; andthe engagement member includes a pair of resiliently biasing catches which are provided on opposite sides of the second coupling member and which extend in a direction to span across the first coupling member.

2. The coupler as claimed in claim 1, wherein the engagement member is resiliently biased to form a secured engagement with said frame.

3. The coupler as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the engagement member spans across at least part of the first coupling member.

4. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the engagement member comprises a hook.

5. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second coupling members are part of a one-piece structure.

6. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first and second coupling members includes an interface where the first and second coupling members mate.

7. The coupler as claimed in any one of claim 6, wherein the interface includescorresponding mating members of the first and second coupling members.

8. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first and second coupling members each includes coupling elements for coupling onto said frame.

9. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the engagement member is releasably engaged with said frame.

10. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the holders are equipped with metallic components for reinforcement.

11. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the engagement member is metallic or equipped with metallic components for reinforcement.

12. A coupler system for coupling a glass panel to a door comprisinga frame; anda coupler having first and second coupling members;wherein:the first and second coupling members each have a respective holder for engaging said door and said glass panel;the holders of the first and second coupling members cooperate to sandwich said door and said glass panel thereby keeping them in position;the second coupling member includes an engagement member configured to secure respective positions of the first and second coupling members on the frame; andthe engagement member includes a pair of resiliently biasing catches which are provided on opposite sides of the second coupling member and which extend in a direction to span across the first coupling member.

13. The coupler system as claimed in claim 12, wherein the frame includes first and second frame members that sandwich the coupler.

14. The coupler system as claimed in claim 13, wherein the coupler is shaped to mate with the first and second frame members.

15. The coupler system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first coupling member mates with the first frame member and the second coupling member mates with the second frame member, and the engagement member of the second coupling member is shaped to engage with the first frame member, thereby securing the relative positions of the first and second coupling members.

16. The coupler system as claimed in claim 15, wherein the resilient catches are configured to releasably engage the first frame member.

17. The coupler system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the holders are equipped with metallic components for reinforcement.

18. The coupler as claimed in any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the engagement member is metallic or equipped with metallic components for reinforcement.IntellectualPropertyOfficeApplication GB2507708.2Search report under Section 17 of the Patents Act 1977Date search completed: 09 July 2025Claims searched: 1-21International classificationSubclass and subgroup Valid from E06B3 / 58 01 / 01 / 2006Field of searchWorldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC: E06BDatabases used in the preparation of this search report:SEARCH-PATENTDocuments considered to be relevantPatent literatureCategory Relevant claims Document of relevance X 1-8, 10, 14, 19 GB 2504796 A (NAN YA PLASTICS), See e.g. fig 6B X 1-8, 10, 14 16, 19 US 7448174 B2 (KROCHMAL ET AL), See e.g. fig 2, frame members 15Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk / ipoX 1-8, 10, 14, 19 US 2003084624 A1 (WANG CHEN), See e.g. fig 2 X 1-8, 10, 14, 19 US 2003024182A1 (YEANY), See e.g. fig 1, engagement member 22, 24 X 1-8, 10, 14, 19 GB 2440245 A (AUTO-PLAS INT.), See e.g. figs 3 &4 X 1-8, 10, 14, 19 GB 2563850 A (AUTO-PLAS INT.), See e.g. figs 8 &10Non-patent literatureCategory Relevant claims Document of relevanceCategoriesLetter or DescriptionsymbolX Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive step.Y Document indicating lack of inventive step, if combined with anotherdocument of the same category.& Member of the same patent family. A Document indicating technological background. P Document published on or after the priority date but before the fling date of the present application.Letter or symbol Description E Earlier application published on or after the filing date of the present application.

Images